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Medieval Power: Symbols and Splendour

December 11, 2015 @ 8:00 am - April 10, 2016 @ 5:00 pm

|$22

The might of Medieval Europe will storm the walls of Queensland Museum this December, in an exclusive exhibition from the British Museum, Medieval Power: Symbols and Splendour.Â Queensland Museum is hosting the world premiere of this new exhibition curated by the British Museum.

Medieval Power: Symbols and Splendour will includeÂ objects from the British Museumâ€™s world class collection,Â many of which have not been displayed before. TheseÂ treasures will be used to explain key events, highlightÂ famous figures and introduce the visitor to variousÂ aspects of the medieval world.Â Visitors will learn what life was like for all levels of society,Â including monarchs, the clergy and the masses living inÂ Europeâ€™s towns and cities.

Queensland Museum CEO & Director Professor Suzanne Miller said the exhibition will feature more than 250 medieval artefacts, spanning the period AD 400 to 1500.Â â€śThe artefacts that we have secured will help us tell the stories and share the history of a vibrant and fascinating period of history that was crucial in the formation of modern Europe.Â We are very excited that the exhibition will feature some objects that have never before been on public display anywhere in the world and will also include an iconic Lewis chessman â€“ itâ€™s a very special object which draws visitors from all over the world to the British Museum.Â Visitors to the exhibition will be able to experience all aspects of this period, from the splendour of the Royal Court through to everyday life – it will truly open a window to the Middle Ages,â€ť Prof. Miller said.

Objects featured in the exhibition include examples from courtly life, including jewellery made of precious metals and embellished with gem stones, as well as examples of everyday objects such as pottery, coins and candlesticks.Â Other cornerstones of medieval life are revealed through tools of war, including knightsâ€™ helmets and swords and objects of religious significance such as stained glass, papal rings, devotional figures and plaques.